Australia’s Casino ‘Blind Spot’ Has Been Compared To the NRA

Are we a nation of ‘problem gamblers’?

Troy Nankervis

2017-10-19T05:48:37Z

Image: Pixabay

Australia’s gambling industry has been likened to America’s National Rifle Association amid backlash surrounding a new mega casino in Brisbane – and allegations of poker machine tampering at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

"Where other states have one casino — Sydney is about to get two — Queensland is leading the charge with the number of casinos, so I really think this is a bankrupt social policy," he said.

He added: "The casino and gaming industry in Australia is the equivalent of the NRA — we have 20 per cent of the world's pokies, just like Americans have so many guns.

"This blind spot means we are the greatest problem gamblers by a country mile — way behind Singapore and then Ireland."

Star Entertainment Group has commenced building its Brisbane development, set to create more than 8,000 more jobs once completed – with the Government predicting 1.39 million new visitors spending their tourist dollars.

Triple M has reached to Star Entertainment Group and the Queensland Government for comment.